Bryan Fuller's American Gods series just found its Mr. Wednesday

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American Gods, the Starz adaptation of Neil Gaiman's bestselling novel from showrunners Bryan Fuller and Michael Green, is finally taking shape. A little over a month ago, the series cast its lead role, the ex-con Shadow Moon, with The 100 co-star Ricky Whittle. Now another key role has been filled, and the choice is pretty much perfect.

Fuller and Gaiman announced today that Golden Globe winner Ian McShane has been cast as Mr. Wednesday, Shadow's post-prison employer, who first appears as a charming con man and is then revealed to be the modern incarnation of the Norse God Odin, caught in the middle of an impending war between the old gods and the new gods of technology.

“When you write a beloved character like Mr. Wednesday, you get to watch the Internet trying to cast the role,” Gaiman said in a statement. “I’ve seen a hundred names suggested, but few make me grin like Ian McShane does… Yesterday was Super Tuesday. Today is Wonderful Wednesday.”

McShane is probably best known for his leading role as Al Swearengen on the acclaimed HBO western drama Deadwood, but you might have also seen him in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, American Horror Story: Asylum and Ray Donovan. Later this year, he'll also join the cast of Game of Thrones in a still-mysterious role.

Honestly, I can't think of a better choice for this role. McShane has an authority and a booming screen presence that make him feel like he could play a god, but he's also got a great wit and range. I have no doubt that he'll charm us all as Mr. Wednesday.